A milkman was fighting for life last night after being battered with a hammer by three masked robbers who stole his takings.

Bob Bullock had just returned from his weekly Sunday money collection round when he disturbed the raiders.

The 62-year-old confronted the gang as they snatched a moneybag from his van outside his home. The married dad-ofone suffered a fractured skull. His wife, Sandra, 59, and their daughter Susan were at his hospital bedside last night where he was critically ill. Next door neighbour Vic Jones, who was first on the scene, found Bob with his head pouring with blood.

Vic, 58, said: "Bob was on his own outside, it was obvious he was targeted. I was upstairs and I heard a bit of commotion. I went out and found him lying on his side. He was unconscious but still breathing but his head was pouring with blood. They left the hammer next to his side.

"Three lads wearing balaclavas were running off."

Detectives believe the robbers knew Mr Bullock's routine and had been watching him in Brinklow, Warwicks. They sped off in a black Ford Focus.

Police have taken Mr Bullock's Ford Transit van for tests.

Police said: "The man is in the intensive care unit and his condition is said to be critical."